This study seeks to determine whether the second language
acquisition of non-native linguistic structures is best described
within the framework of Optimality Theory, or within the
framework of a usage-based model. These two frameworks make
different predictions regarding the role of word frequency in second
language acquisition. This study examines the productions of high and
low-frequency English words as spoken by native speakers of
S’gaw Karen, a language which does not permit coda clusters, who
are acquiring English as a second language. Trends suggest that
second language acquisition is better described within the
framework of a usage-based model, suggesting a word-by-word
acquisition of coda clusters, although limitations of the study are
also noted in the discussion.

Issue Date:

2016-06-29

Publisher:

Studies in the Linguistic Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Citation Info:

Moeng, Boehm, & Reynolds (2016). "Modeling the interlanguage: The effect of frequency in the L2 acquisition of English consonant clusters" Studies in the Linguistic Sciences: Illinois Working Papers. Vol 41 pp 35-48